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Talk to strangers online: 12 American openers and what comes next

Updated

Most people who want to talk to strangers online already know how. They just freeze in the first five seconds. You don't need a perfect line, just a couple of easy openers and one habit for what comes after.

Below are twelve openers, the follow-up rule, topics that work between people in different states, and a few things to keep to yourself. It's written for live video chat on sites like momos, but it works for any first conversation.

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12 openers, sorted by what you can see

Good openers are easy to answer and a little specific. "How are you?" gets "good" and stalls. A question about something visible, local, or shared gives the other person an easy way in.

  • Their space: "Is that a guitar behind you? Do you play?"
  • Their space: "Okay, I have to ask about that poster."
  • Their space: "Is that your dog I just heard?"
  • Location: "Hey! What part of the country are you in?"
  • Location: "What's the weather doing there? It's freezing in Chicago."
  • Location: "What's one thing people get wrong about your state?"
  • Time: "What are you doing up this late?"
  • Time: "Is it dinnertime there yet? I just ate."
  • Shared interest: "We both picked gaming. What are you playing right now?"
  • Shared interest: "You picked travel. Where was your last trip?"
  • Low-key: "I'm trying to stay off my phone tonight and failing. You?"
  • Playful: "Quick, Would You Rather? I'll open the game."

The follow-up rule

Go one level deeper

If they say they're a nursing student in Atlanta, don't switch topics. Ask what year they're in or how clinicals are going. Depth beats breadth.

Trade, don't interview

After they answer, add a short bit about you, then hand it back. Only one person answering questions feels like a job interview.

Ask for a story

"What was the tastiest thing you had this week?" invites a story. "Do you like pizza?" invites "yeah."

Let a pause breathe

A few seconds of quiet isn't failure. If it drags, start a quick game or draw a conversation-starter card. momos has both inside the call.

Topics that travel well between states

Politics and religion can wait. You don't have to avoid them forever, but a stranger from another state is rarely the place to start.

  • Weather and seasons. Someone in Florida and someone in Minnesota always have something to compare.
  • Regional food. Pizza styles, barbecue, what "soda" is called where they live.
  • Sports, kept light. Asking about their home team works; trash-talking it on minute one doesn't.
  • Time zones. "What time is it there?" is an easy, honest question that often leads somewhere.
  • What they're into. If you both picked an interest like music, anime, or fitness, you already have a topic.

Swap this for that

Habits that end chats early, and what to do instead
Instead ofTry
"Hi" and then silenceHi plus one easy question
Commenting on their looksCommenting on something in their space
Asking for their Instagram right awayAdding them as a friend after a good call
Talking about yourself for five minutesShort answer, then a question back
Debating politics with someone you just metAsking what they care about and why
Staying on a call that feels offPressing Next, and reporting if needed

What to keep to yourself

Friendly doesn't mean an open book. Hold back your last name, address, workplace, school, and social handles until you actually know someone. Requests for money, gift cards, or a quick move to another app are your cue to leave.

momos doesn't record video or audio, but the other person could screen-record. Report and block are always one tap away in the call controls.

A low-pressure first session

Try five or six calls with one goal: say hi and ask one question. Pick an interest you genuinely care about so you have something real to say.

Lower the bar for a good call, too. You're not looking for a best friend in one conversation. One laugh, one thing you learned about someone in another state, or two friendly minutes all count.

More ways to talk to strangers

Frequently asked questions

Is it OK to bring up sports or my home team?

Usually, yes. Asking who someone roots for is an easy opener. Keep it light; good-natured ribbing works better after a few minutes than in the first sentence.

Should I avoid politics with strangers?

Early on, it's wise to. Plenty of good conversations get there eventually, but leading with it tends to end calls fast.

Can I talk to strangers who share my interests?

Yes. On momos you pick interests like music, anime, sports, or career, and it tries to match you with people who chose the same ones.

Should I use text chat or talk out loud?

Talking out loud usually builds a connection faster, but text chat is handy for names, links, or when you're somewhere quiet. Mixing both is completely normal.

What if they don't talk back?

Give it a few seconds, then move on with Next. Some people are on mute, distracted, or just not in the mood.

Adults only. Never recorded.

momos is for people 18 and older. We don't record or store calls, and report and block are always one tap away. See the safety center.

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